Camping opportunities near Oxford, Mississippi include both developed campgrounds and more rustic sites across the region's forested terrain. Enid Lake and Sardis Lake provide water-based camping destinations within 30 minutes of Oxford, with most sites situated between 300-400 feet elevation. Summer humidity levels frequently reach 80-90%, creating challenging camping conditions from June through August when overnight temperatures rarely drop below 70°F.
What to do
Fishing at Wallace Creek: Access multiple fishing spots along Enid Lake at Wallace Creek, located about 35 miles southwest of Oxford. "The campground sits on Enid Lake which is recognized as one of 'One of America's Top 10 Fishing Spots,'" notes Nancy W. The lake offers various fish species and convenient access points for anglers.
Disc golf at Wall Doxey: Play through a forested course at Wall Doxey State Park, approximately 20 miles north of Oxford. "The highlight for us is the disc golf course that winds through the pine forest," mentions Brandon R. The course attracts numerous Ole Miss students who enjoy the recreational opportunity.
Boating from designated launches: Launch watercraft at Beach Point on Sardis Lake, where "There's a boat launch but it didn't add significant traffic or noise," according to Elizabeth S. Most boat ramps maintain good conditions year-round, though water levels fluctuate seasonally, particularly in late summer.
What campers like
Secluded lakeside spots: Puskus Lake offers quiet camping within Holly Springs National Forest. "This campground is in the middle of Holly Springs National Forest on Puskus Lake. The campground itself is quite small but the camping spaces have a good amount of room to them so you do not feel like you are on top of each other," writes Kim N. Sites feature lantern poles, fire rings, and picnic tables.
Affordability and basic amenities: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the low fees at many area campgrounds. "NF camp, so $7 for regular people, and $3.50 for those awesome folks with an interagency pass," reports Alex B. about Puskus Lake. Most developed sites maintain reasonable pricing compared to other camping regions.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide the best wildlife viewing across area campgrounds. "We saw a momma dear and her baby cross the road. Lots of trees and leaves everywhere," notes Orita I. about her experience at Wall Doxey State Park. Woodland birds, small mammals, and occasionally larger wildlife appear throughout the camping areas.
What you should know
Limited facilities at some locations: Several campgrounds offer only basic amenities. At Beach Point, "Cars stay in the parking lot, and you walk up to your site. Pretty basic. Running water, flushable toilets, no showers," explains Caitlyn E. Check facility status before arrival, especially during off-season.
Maintenance varies significantly: State parks often struggle with upkeep issues. "Mississippi needs to put some funding behind the park, could be a real gem. Overall we had a great stay and I would recommend the campground," Steven W. notes about Wall Doxey State Park. Corps of Engineers campgrounds typically maintain better standards than state-operated facilities.
Insects require preparation: Biting insects create challenges throughout camping season. "The flies!! They were so so bad! And bighty!! My poor dogs were covered in flies, as were we," reports Elizabeth S. about Beach Point. Bring effective insect repellent and protective clothing, particularly during warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hurricane Landing provides recreation areas for children. "There is a great little playground for little ones. Easy access to fishing and water sports when the lake is up," notes Steve G. The campground includes open spaces for group activities.
Site selection matters: Choose sites away from high-traffic areas for better family experiences. "Sites on the back side of the loop are spaced out much more nicely than those on the front," recommends Steve G. about Hurricane Landing. Corner sites typically offer more space and privacy.
Weather awareness essential: Summer conditions challenge families with young children. "We had no idea it was such a big deal. But we drove down and visited and hung around for the festivities and boy was it worth it," Fred S. shares about Wall Doxey's Halloween activities, highlighting the benefits of camping during cooler seasons.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: RVers should check specific site details before booking. At Pats Bluff, "Recently added sewer to upper sites to go along with current 50amp and water hookups. Bathhouse was clean and showers worked great. Concrete pads were spacious for just about any size rig," reports Rick G. Verify hookup specifications match your equipment needs.
Length and width requirements: Large rigs require careful site selection. "We came in with a 38' RV not much problem with spaces but be aware of trees on both sides of spaces. We were given space #60 but would not have been able to open slides because of trees so we took another space," warns Orita I. about Wall Doxey State Park.
Dump station access: Some campgrounds have limited or problematic dump facilities. "The only real drawback is the fact that they have pretty much made the dump station unusable by dumping tons of rock there," notes Steve G. about Pats Bluff. Call ahead to verify current status of dump stations if staying multiple days.
